Monday, September 26, 2011

I was fortunate to attend the first IATSE Health Benefits Town Hall Meeting on Saturday at IATSE Local 80 in Burbank. These unprecedented meetings are essential for all active IATSE members who participate in the Motion Picture Industry Health Plans to attend.

The meetings are designed to give insight to the membership about the decisions that have been made, and will need to be made regarding our Health Care benefits in the upcoming IATSE and AMPTP negotiations. Presentations were given by:

John C. Garner, group healthcare expert and consultant, on the state of healthcare costs in the USA

David Westcoe, MPIPHP Executive Administrative Director, with a detailed history of plan's costs and projections

IATSE President Mathew Loeb who presented the plan to involve the membership through these meetings, focus groups and the upcoming survey as well as taking questions from the floor at the end of the meeting

IATSE contracts are coming to the end of their three-year term at a time when health care costs are skyrocketing and union health plans across the country are cutting back and reorganizing. It is apparent that our health benefits are going to have to be examined from the ground up to meet the needs of the future and ensure comprehensive and cost-effective benefits for all.

From what I heard from others who attended, this level of interactivity from the senior leadership of the IATSE has never been attempted before. Facts were presented by experts, Executive Directors and our President. After the presentations, the floor was opened to answer questions and take feedback. In the face of upcoming changes, this opportunity to avail yourself of the facts and the opportunity to learn about the choices you'll be making is not to be missed.

The Town Hall meetings are open to all active IATSE members. TAG has 18 seats available at each meeting with plenty open for reservation. The meetings will be held at the following times and locations:

Sunday, November 13 - 10am to 2pm

IATSE Local 80, 2520 W Olive Ave, Burbank

* Monday, November 14 - 7pm to 9pm

California Ballroom, Four Points Sheraton - LAX

9750 Airport Blvd. 90045

Tuesday, November 15 - 7pm to 9pm

IATSE Local 80, 2520 W Olive Ave, Burbank

If you are interested in reserving a seat for one of these meetings, we have plenty left available. Call us at (818) 845-7500 or send Steve Kaplan an email at skaplan@animationguild.org and let us know which meeting you're interested in attending.

The next contract is guaranteed to have changes in health benefits that will impact the lives of every working person in the motion picture industry. Attend one of these town hall meetings and have a say in your future.